Round 10 Game Results
Photo Courtesy of Meredith Foley
Women
Norths Bears 81 def Newcastle Hunters 64
Because of this, the Bears knew they had to come out with all guns blazing and it was Captain Lisa Braunberger that would lead the way early. Newcastle had no answer for the fiery captain as she lit up the Hunters for 13 first quarter points and was aptly supported point guard Sarah Kelman (6 points in 1st qtr) and super sub Darcy Wilson (7 points in 1st qtr) to take the Bears out to a 30-23 lead at the end of the first.
The hot shooting continued in the second quarter (57% FG and 60% three pointers) as Mountfield and Sutherland both stepped up. The Lady Bears simply played their best basketball of the season in the first half with great ball movement and clinical plays allowing the Bears to build a substantial lead, 52-36.
The second half proved to be a much tighter contest with the Hunters coming out with renewed enthusiasm and physical defence to keep the game within striking distance, bringing it back to 10 points at one stage. However, Norths then turned back to Braunberger to get them home and that she did with 10 final quarter points dominating the Hunters interior defence.
Best performers for the Bears were Lisa Braunberger 31 points 10 rebounds 6 assists 2 blocks, Darcy Wilson 12 points, Sophie Kelman 11points 7 rebounds 5 assists 4 steals, Alana Mountfield 6points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds.
Men
Norths Bears 109 def Newcastle Hunters 77
Cam Springall came out on fire (4/4 FG for 9points 1st qtr) and Al Swystun (8 points 1st qtr) caused all sorts of headaches for the Bears early on. However, Norths Big man Ufojan Isbic took it upon himself to keep the Bears in the game playing brilliantly in the first quarter, scoring 17 points (8/11 FG) and pulling down 7 rebounds to negate Newcastle’s strong start.
Norths Centre Luke Brennan then came out of hibernation and dominated the glass in the second quarter for 12 points and 8 rebounds at the half. This combined with Isbic’s 23 points and 11 rebounds at the half gave Norths a 10 point lead at the main break.
Troy van Spanje went through a purple patch nailing 4 straight shots in the middle of that run whilst Tom Neal, Ernest Nzigamasabo and Richie Ivanov caused havoc on the defensive end. The Bears eventually ran out winners by 32 points on the back of some gritty defence and smooth team play. The Bears now have a bye in round 10 and will meet the currently undefeated Manly side in round 11 for the local derby.
Best performers for the Bears were Ufojan Isbic 29 points 17 rebounds 2 blocks, Luke Brennan 22 points 13 rebounds 5 assists, Troy van Spanje 18 points, Linden Smith-Hyde 14 points 6 rebounds, Ernest Nzigamasabo 11 points 8 rebounds, James MacCann 8 points 9 assists.
